Chion-in Tours

The main temple of the Jodo school of Buddhism, Chion-in is a very grand affair, focusing on the huge main hall and its image of the sect’s founder, Hōnen. Another building houses a renowned statue of the Buddha.

The beautiful temple gardens are a sight in their own right, threaded with stone paths, steps and Zen water gardens. The view from the Hojo Garden is particularly worth catching.

Practical Info

Chion-in is north of Maruyama Park in southeast Kyoto. Buses run to Chion-in from the city center, and the closest train station is a 10-minute walk away at Higashiyama.

Location

Address: 400 Hayashi-shita-cho 3-chome, Kyoto 605-0062, Japan

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Hours: Open daily Mar - Oct: 9am - 4:30pm; Nov - Feb: 9am -4pm. Not all buildings open to the public

Hop aboard a traditional rickshaw with guide for a journey through the atmospheric streets of beautiful Kyoto on this easily-customizable ride with 30-minute, 45-minute, 1-hour, 2-hour, and 3-hour tour options. Depending on the ride length you select, you’ll be peddled through the serene shrines of west Kyoto’s Arashiyama neighborhood, discovering its picturesque Bamboo Grove, or admiring the wooden structures and ancient alleys of the Higashiyama district.

Dress in traditional Japanese attire in this kimono and yukata experience in Kyoto. You won’t have to worry about wearing the clothing incorrectly as you’ll have a professional fitting session. Stroll around Gion, and visit nearby shrines such as Kiyomizu-dera and Heianjingu Shrine. The experience is flexible, and different time slots are offered throughout the day. You can also upgrade your experience to include makeup, and hair styling.